Barbados 'Acerola' Cherry

Barbados cherry is a rounded, evergreen tropical shrub or small tree with delicate green foliage, recurring pink flowers, and bright red fruit. The tart cherries ripen about a month after flowering and are valued fresh or in preserves for their high vitamin C content. ## Site and fruit UF/IFAS describes this species at about 10–12 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide, with flowers appearing intermittently from April through October. It grows in full sun or partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil; regular moisture helps during dry periods. Its fruit can attract birds, and the plant can be trained as a specimen, hedge, or screen. ## Maintenance Prune selectively to shape young plants or remove dead and crowded branches. In Florida guidance, this species is suited to USDA zones 9B–11; protect it from colder conditions and avoid salt-exposed sites. Sources: [UF/IFAS species profile](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FP390); [Kew accepted-species record](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/557048-1).